New York:
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has confirmed the death of his Special Representative to Haiti, Hedi Annabi, and two other senior officials who were inside the headquarters of the UN peace mission in Haiti when the earthquake struck.
Annabi's deputy, Luiz Carlos da Costa, and Acting Police Commissioner, Doug Coates of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police also died after the peace mission headquarters at Hotel Christopher collapsed in the devastating earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation on Tuesday.
"In every sense of the word, they gave their lives for peace," Ban said.
"Our hearts are with them, the families and friends of Hedi, Luiz, Doug and the many other UN heroes who gave their lives for Haiti and for the highest ideals of the UN."
The Secretary-General also noted the achievements of each of the fallen officials who had served the UN.
"Hedi Annabi, a Tunisian national, was a true citizen of the world. The United Nations was his life and he ranked amongst its most dedicated and committed sons. He was passionate about its mission and its people," Ban said.
"He was proud of the UN mission in Haiti -- proud of its accomplishments in bringing stability and hope to Haiti's people, proud of his UN staff."
"Luiz Carlos da Costa, from Brazil, was for many, many years a legend of UN peacekeeping operations. Over decades, he brought many of the finest and most talented staff to the United Nations," Ban said.